RG&E Helps Strengthen Region’s Food Economy with $60,513 Donation to The Rochester Commissary

The Company’s contribution helps aspiring entrepreneurs, creating jobs


RG&E’ s economic development grants supported 71 businesses in 2023


ROCHESTER, NY — June 26, 2024— Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) supported The Rochester Commissary in downtown Rochester with an economic development grant of $60,513. The Rochester Commissary is a collaborative community, providing shared kitchen space for food and beverage industry-specific businesses, offering assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs building food companies, creating jobs, and strengthening the region’s culinary economy. The grant supported 71 small businesses in the Rochester area in 2023.

“Food has the ability to bring us all together and The Rochester Commissary brings creative minds in the food and beverage industry together under one roof,” said Joe Sayre, manager of Economic Development for RG&E and NYSEG. “The funding is two-fold, not only does it help support entrepreneurs in the community but will give the local economy a boost.”

The Rochester Commissary offers a wide range of benefits to its members. It is the region’s first business incubator and only shared kitchen permitted in Monroe County. The company’s goal is to increase success rates for new food industry entrepreneurs by reducing barriers that come along with startup businesses and offer development support services.

“These funds have helped to support and showcase our member businesses by sharing their passion, story, and food/product within Rochester and beyond,” The Rochester Commissary President, Rhonda Destino. “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the RG&E team on the grant process. I encourage everyone to follow us on our social media for where to find members this summer, stop by The Commissary for lunch, or set up a tour with our staff to see the very day-to-day impact that this funding has provided.”

The Rochester Commissary opened in October 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its model allowed businesses a way to pivot and re-launch during this global crisis that impacted this industry immediately. With RG&E’s support, The Rochester Commissary can continue to share and reinforce its vision to revive the local food scene in downtown Rochester and its surrounding communities, attracting and launching new businesses. 

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